Scientific name: Nimbochromis venustus

Common name: Giraffe cichlid, Kalingo

Region: Lake Malawi - Lake-wide distribution, Deep Intermediate Habitats

Size: max 10.5 inches (26 centimetres). Males are slightly larger than females.

Color: Like their common name suggests, the coloration is reminiscent of that of a giraffe. They usually have a yellowish-white body, with large brown spots. Venustus males often assume a blue coloration when sexually active, with the blue being most intense on the head.

Water Chemistry: pH: 7.8 to 8.6, hard water

Temperature: 78-82

Aggression: aggressive

Compatibility: In your cichlid aquarium, the venestus will be quite aggressive. Therefore, the only suitable tropical fish that can be kept with it are other large Haps. Basically, any smaller cichlids will become food.

Diet: Carnivorous. In the wild, this species hunts small cichlids, by burrowing into the sand when it spots juvenile cichlids. It remains motionless until the prey are within reach.

How to breed: Like many other aggressive African cichlids, they are best kept with 2-3 (or more) females for every male, as this will stop the aggression from being concentrated on one female breeding cichlid. Provide the female cichlid with plenty of cover in the fish tank to hide from the aggressive male. Follow the same steps you would with breeding any mouthbrooder.

General: This is a very popular cichlid species kept in aquariums. Strangely enough, it's also one of the more aggresive, so cichlid breeders and hobbyists often get more than they bargained for! An interesting thing is that my wife always referred to them as the 'Giraffe' cichlids, even though neither her nor I had any idea that was their real common name!